U.S. News & World Report ranks BGSU among top-tier institutions in the nation for 18th straight year

BGSU undergraduate psychology is No. 3 in Ohio and in the top quartile nationwide, while computer science, economics, business and nursing also rank highly

For the 18th straight year, Bowling Green State University has been recognized as one of the nation’s top public universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 “Best Colleges” rankings. Several of the University's undergraduate programs were also recognized as among the very best in the state and nation. 

The University once again was named one of the nation’s Top Performers on Social Mobility, ranking No. 6 among Ohio public universities and No. 342 nationally. The ranking focuses on a college's ability to advance social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of economically disadvantaged students who received Pell Grants. The vast majority of these federal grants are awarded to students whose adjusted gross family incomes are under $50,000.

Psychology

In addition to maintaining its rankings of overall excellence, several of the University’s academic programs had strong showings in the report, including undergraduate psychology, which is ranked No. 3 in Ohio and in the top quartile of programs nationally. The category was new this year in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, and in addition to being third among Ohio colleges and universities, the program sits at No. 130 nationwide.  

“BGSU psychology students benefit from the wide range of expertise of our faculty, from whom they can learn about topics that range from how pollution affects the developing brain to the ways loneliness affects cardiovascular health to the best approach to selecting effective employees,” said Dr. Carolyn J. Tompsett, professor and chair of psychology. “Our students complete supervised and independent research and serve the mental health of our community through many internships. Our undergraduate students also benefit from our large and active Ph.D. program, receiving mentorship, classroom support and research guidance from our graduate students.”

Computer science

BGSU improved its ranking for undergraduate computer science programs, ranking No. 8 among Ohio public universities and rising six slots to No. 249 in the nation. The ranking reflects the University’s legacy as one of the most respected and sought-after programs in the nation today. Starting as the first computer science program in Ohio when it was established in 1969, the BGSU Computer Science Department now is one of the most esteemed programs in the country. Its graduates are in high demand, and many have gone on to work for the biggest names in technology, including Microsoft, Apple and Google.

Economics

Also new this year, BGSU is ranked among the best for its undergraduate economics programs, ranking No. 6 among Ohio public universities and landing at No. 240 in the nation. The quality of faculty at the Schmidthorst College of Business, specifically in economics, is reflected in the high rankings, with Distinguished Teaching Professors and Master Teachers numbering among economics educators. The University's Economics Department plays host to conferences and colloquia each year that bring renowned economists to campus, and the department also annually sponsors an undergraduate student paper contest and conference.  

Business and nursing

BGSU remains highly ranked for its undergraduate programs in business and nursing, both tied at No. 6 among Ohio public universities and No. 191 and No. 263 nationwide, respectively.

The 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings rank more than 1,600 of the nation’s four-year colleges and universities based on their performance across a set of indicators of excellence. Read more about the process.